Role Purpose

The Headteacher – Junior School provides visionary instructional leadership and expert management for all staff within Grades 7–9. This role is central to ensuring high-quality teaching, effective implementation of the Kenyan Competency-Based Education (CBE), and outstanding academic and behavioural outcomes. The Headteacher will mentor, coach, and professionally develop teachers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Communication

Administrative Management

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  Daily Operations Oversight:
  Ensure smooth running of all Junior School activities, including timetabling, classroom allocation, and resource management.
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  Efficiency & Compliance:
  Monitor administrative processes to guarantee efficiency, adherence to policies, and compliance with regulatory standards.
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  Resource Coordination:
  Manage logistical needs such as teaching materials, facilities, and support services to optimize the learning environment.
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  Problem-Solving:
  Anticipate and resolve operational challenges quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and learning.

Internal Communication

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  Information Flow:
  Act as the central link between the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Junior School staff, ensuring clear, timely, and transparent communication.
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  Feedback Channels:
  Establish systems for gathering staff input and relaying it constructively to management.
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  Policy Dissemination:
  Communicate policies, updates, and strategic priorities to staff for consistent implementation.
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  Collaboration & Alignment:
  Facilitate regular staff meetings and briefings to align the team with school goals.
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  Culture Building:
  Promote openness, trust, and collaboration.

External Communication

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  Parent Engagement:
  Serve as a key liaison with parents, ensuring they are well-informed on academic progress and school initiatives.
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  Stakeholder Relations:
  Maintain professional communication with education authorities and community partners.
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  Information Sharing:
  Provide timely updates through newsletters, meetings, and digital platforms.
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  Crisis & Issue Management:
  Communicate effectively during sensitive or urgent situations.
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  Representation:
  Act as an ambassador for the Junior School in external engagements.

2. Instructional Leadership & Professional Development

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  Academic Quality Assurance:
  Take full responsibility for teaching and learning quality, maintaining high pedagogical standards.
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  Coaching & Mentoring:
  Lead structured coaching through classroom observations and feedback.
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  Curriculum Expertise (CBE):
  Work closely with curriculum leadership to ensure strong subject knowledge and learner-centred delivery, including Project-Based Learning (PBL).
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  Promoting Values:
  Embed core competencies and values into daily teaching.
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  CPD Strategy:
  Design and deliver impactful professional development sessions.
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  Performance Management:
  Oversee appraisal cycles, set goals, and ensure accountability.

3. Staff Management

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  Line Management:
  Provide direct leadership to all teaching and support staff.
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  Team Culture:
  Foster a collaborative and professional teaching environment.
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  Staff Deployment:
  Allocate staff effectively to optimize learning outcomes.
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  Recruitment & Induction:
  Lead hiring and onboarding aligned with institutional values.

4. Academic & Behavioural Oversight

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  Academic Attainment:
  Ensure effective use of assessment data to drive student achievement.
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  Pastoral Support:
  Oversee student well-being and support systems.
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  Discipline & Behaviour Management:
  Ensure consistent application of behaviour policies and proactive interventions.
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  Case Management:
  Handle disciplinary matters fairly and consistently, involving parents where necessary.

5. Welfare

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  Learner Welfare & Safeguarding:
  Champion safeguarding and ensure compliance with child protection protocols.
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  Shared Responsibility:
  Encourage parent and stakeholder involvement in welfare.
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  Inclusive Culture:
  Promote diversity, belonging, and inclusion.
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  Supportive Environment:
  Build a culture of trust and respect among staff and students.

Requirements

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education:

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  Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from a recognized institution.
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  A Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or Curriculum Studies is an added advantage.

Certification:

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  Valid registration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and in good standing.

Experience:

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  Minimum 10 years of teaching experience in secondary school.
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  At least 5 years in an instructional leadership role.
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  Experience teaching and managing at high school level.
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  Evidence of impact on student outcomes and staff development.

Expertise:

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  Instructional coaching and teacher mentoring.
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  Performance management and appraisal systems.
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  Strong understanding of CBE implementation.
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  Ability to align teaching practices with Ministry of Education standards.

Preferred Attributes

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  Visionary leadership
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  Approachability and empathy
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  Strong communication skills
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  Collaborative team-building
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  Integrity and professionalism
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  Results-oriented mindset
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  Resilience and adaptability
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  Commitment to student welfare

The candidate must demonstrate a proven track record of success in delivering the Kenyan national 8-4-4 curriculum. This includes:

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  Instructional Expertise:
  Evidence of effective teaching and learning strategies aligned with the 8-4-4 system, particularly in preparing students for national examinations (KCSE), including demonstrable performance outcomes and rankings.